Page 27 of Sexting My Ex's Dad

I’d like to.

I wait for a couple minutes, but there’s no response. Usually, he texts back within thirty seconds…had I scared him off?

This isn’t the first time the two of us have talked about seeing each other in person, but what if that’s not what he really wants?

What if he wants this to stay just an online thing? Will that be enough for me?

No.

But I guess I don’t have to see him immediately either…

I’m just about to send Paul another text message when my phone buzzes with an incoming email notification. The sender’s name makes my heart skip a beat – Teravolt. I can’t help but think of Elio and the way he looked at me the last time we met.

What could he possibly want? For a moment, I debate ignoring the message.

But my curiosity wins out as I tap on the email. The message is brief, requesting a meeting with me at Teravolt Industries. The words are professional, but the underlying meaning isn’t lost on me – Elio wants to see me again.

Why?

My chest constricts with a mixture of anxiety and something else – a forbidden spark that makes me feel alive. Shaking my head, I force myself to focus on the present moment. Paul and I had something going on — and even if just a touch from Elio drove me wild with need, I’m not the cheating kind of girl.

Is it really cheating if I’ve never met the guy in person? Either way… I needed to stay far away from Owen, and that includes his dad. I can’t get tangled up.

Sinking deeper into the tub, I take a deep breath, the fragrant bubbles rising around me like a protective barrier.

When I close my eyes, I hate to admit that it’s Elio’s face that pops up even though I know it shouldn’t.

15

ELIO

The slam of a file hitting the desk pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up to see Massimo’s stern face, his eyes not quite meeting mine. “Here’s the information you requested on Stella March, Elio.”

He has questions, I’m sure. I never ask for a report on anyone unless it’s for business. I like to know the kind of person that I’m dealing with, and, frankly, Stella March, is no different.

I should have done this a long time ago when she started dating my son.

“Thank you, Massimo.” My fingers absentmindedly trace the edge of the file. Part of me wonders if it’s wise to dig deeper into Stella’s life. But the hunger for answers wins out, and I open the file.

Stella March confuses me which isn’t a light thought for me. We sext every day, yet when I sent an email requesting her to schedule a time to meet with me: crickets.

What kind of game is she playing?

As I flip through the pages, I’m surprised by the depth of information Massimo managed to gather. Her struggles with Owen and her disabled brother Leo are laid bare before me, just as she’d claimed.

My son is an idiot.

“Owen,” I mutter under my breath, my heart twisting with disappointment at my son’s behavior. How could he abandon her like this?

I know I should’ve been a bigger part of his life, but how could he think this is okay? To take everything someone gives him and then just leave?

Especially to a girl like Stella.

“Is everything alright, Elio?” Massimo asks, eyeing me warily.

“Fine, just... processing,” I reply, continuing to scan the pages. The more I read, the more the curiosity grows, mingling with a hint of admiration for the strength she’s shown in caring for her brother Leo. It’s clear that her life has been far from easy, yet she’s never given up.

Regency.The name of the business catches my eye.